BEND, OR -- Bend High School Calculus and International Baccalaureate program teacher, Andria Lindsay, received the Milken Educator Award in a surprise ceremony yesterday.
Acting Deputy Superintendent Colt Gill and Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley presented the Award to Lindsay at a special assembly in front of state and local dignitaries, previous winners, and the student body.
Bend High's Principal, Chris Reece, who had to keep the secret for over a month, believes Milken made the right choice in Andria Lindsay. "It is just amazing, absolutely amazing, words cannot describe knowing that this was coming to Bend High School, pretty phenomenal. You want to talk about relationships, building trust with students and building community? That's Ms. Lindsay, and well deserved."
During the presentation, Dr. Foley said the Milken Educator Award is considered the 'Oscars of Teaching' and explained to the assembled dignitaries and students, that teachers can't be nominated for it, they are sought out by the Milken Foundation for their excellent work.
Deputy Superintendent Colt Gill congratulated Ms. Lindsay during the morning's assembly. "I just wanted to say, on behalf of our State Board of Education and Oregon Department of Education, thank you so much for representing teachers across the State of Oregon, and clearly the students here at Bend High School know what a fabulous teacher you are, so thank you for everything you do for our students in Oregon."
Lindsay, who has been teaching at Bend High for the majority of her 17-year career, said she's grateful for her profession. "Wow. I don't really know what to say, this is a complete surprise to me. I never imagined myself as a teacher when I was in high school, but as time went on, I realized what a gift my teachers gave me, so I always think this is the best place I could ever be, with students, and you all know how much I love you, and how passionate I am about your futures. You never imagine this happening in your career!"
In addition to the national recognition, Lindsay also received $25,000.
The Milken Family Foundation has been surprising excellent teachers since 1987.
